Elizabeth Andarge

The world was stunned last week when white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel, signaling the election of a new pope. But what made this moment truly historic: For the first time, the pope is American-born and there’s a local connection.

Major repairs are on the table—but so are tough questions about accessibility, aesthetics, and what the future holds for this landmark. Will Punta Gorda preserve its 98-year-old City Hall or face the costly challenges of bringing the historic building into the future?

The Florida Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) seeks more information from local cities and counties.

Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida has begun offering free and low-cost birth control methods at its Naples and Fort Myers health centers.

Florida Gulf Coast University has released its first official statement regarding a recent agreement that has drawn attention and sparked discussion within the campus community.

The city of Cape Coral held its annual multicultural festival over the weekend.

Florida Gulf Coast University has joined the growing list of institutions formalizing partnerships with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The Federal Housing Administration has announced changes to its mortgage eligibility rules that will affect thousands of non-citizens nationwide.

A local organization is helping residents take an important step toward a life-changing goal.

Holocaust Remembrance Day, or Yom HaShoah, is a day to remember the 6 million Jews who were killed during the Holocaust. It commemorates the anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising and is observed on the 27th day of the Hebrew month of Nisan. Synagogue services, public vigils, and memorial ceremonies are all part of the commemorations.